While being part of a Quentin Tarantino movie might be dangerous—think unexpected gunfire—you certainly recognize when you’re watching one of his films.

From gory violence to colorful language, unconventional heroes, and eclectic soundtracks that range from funky to downright cool, Tarantino’s films are marked by a distinctive style and unwavering quality.

Indeed, his body of work varies significantly in quality; however, even his lesser films are still noteworthy. As the iconic film “Pulp Fiction” commemorates its thirtieth anniversary, here’s how it compares to his other creations:

10. ‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’ (2004)

The sequel “Kill Bill: Volume 2” falls noticeably short when matched against its thrilling predecessor. While it opts for dialogue over action, it still features The Bride (Uma Thurman) in her quest to confront the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, including her former lover Bill (David Carradine). Plus, the film delivers rewarding plot twists and the impressive Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique.

9. ‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)

“Jackie Brown,” the sole Tarantino film adapted from existing literature—Elmore Leonard’s 1992 novel “Rum Punch”—serves as a tribute to classic blaxploitation films. Featuring an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, and Robert De Niro, the standout performance arises from Pam Grier, who shines as a middle-aged flight attendant moonlighting as a smuggler.

8. ‘Death Proof’ (2007)

“Death Proof,” part of the “Grindhouse” double feature alongside Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror,” explores genre-blending themes melding slasher elements with a message of female empowerment. Kurt Russell stars as Stuntman Mike, a deranged killer who uses his “death-proof” car to target women—until he crosses paths with a trio of strong women (Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Tracie Thoms) who retaliate fiercely.

7. ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

In “Django Unchained,” Tarantino tackles themes of slavery and racism with a unique twist. The story followsliberated slave Django (Jamie Foxx) and dentist-turned-bounty hunter King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) as they hunt down criminals in Tennessee, eventually heading to Mississippi to rescue Django’s wife. The film features graphic violence that can be difficult to digest, with Leonardo DiCaprio delivering a standout performance as the charmingly evil plantation owner Calvin J. Candie.

6. ‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

Tarantino’s debut feature, starting with gangsters debating Madonna’s music, quickly evolves into a tale filled with violence and betrayal. It introduces the unique, referential style and non-linear narrative that would later define his work in “Pulp Fiction.” The cast shines, featuring talents like Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, who portray dapper criminals in desperate situations.

5. ‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)

Once again, Tarantino explores the Western genre, but this time he plunges into a murder mystery with a collection of characters trapped in a snowbound cabin. The cast includes some morally ambiguous individuals, from two bounty hunters (Jackson and Russell) to a deranged fugitive (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and a talkative executioner (Tim Roth)—a classic Tarantino ensemble.

4. ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)

This film is a heartfelt tribute to the Los Angeles of the 1960s, portraying the intertwined lives of a washed-up television actor (DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Pitt, who won an Oscar for this role) as they cross paths with the rising star Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). This enchanting narrative offers a creative perspective on Hollywood history and presents powerful performances from DiCaprio, especially.

3. ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1″ (2003)

Tarantino doesn’t often present clear heroes, but in “Kill Bill,” Uma Thurman’s character, The Bride, is the closest thing to one—and audiences connect with her due to her compelling backstory (she was shot on her wedding day) and her fierce revenge spree in a striking Bruce Lee jumpsuit. The breathtaking sword fight in Tokyo, where The Bride takes on many Yakuza henchmen (including a schoolgirl wielding a deadly weapon), is legendary. Additionally, Tarantino showcases creativity with an animated sequence detailing the history of O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), one of The Bride’s adversaries.

2. ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

With “Inglourious Basterds,” Tarantino presents a unique war film that intertwines elements of a revenge fantasy, replete with a memorable David Bowie song leading up to a fiery scene where a vengeful woman (Melanie Laurent) incinerates a theater filled with Nazis. While it may not provide the most accurate representation of World War II, “Basterds” stands out as one of the most enjoyable films—the perspective on which can vary—featuring Pitt leading a group of soldiers scalping Germans and Waltz portraying a conniving villain from Tarantino’s memorable gallery.

1. ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

Nowadays, we don’t see many films that truly change the game, but those who experienced this movie in theaters quickly realized its unique magic. This legendary indie film from the ’90s revitalized the careers of John Travolta and Bruce Willis while catapulting Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson into iconic status within popular culture. Its unforgettable dialogue seamlessly integrated into everyday language (even making people quote from the Book of Ezekiel again after ages), and the movie’s quirks somehow appealed to mainstream audiences. One has to wonder, though, what exactly was inside that mysterious golden briefcase.